Success Stories
Grandpa Earl Baker serves in a kindergarten classroom at Lanier Elementary School. Now in his fifth year as a volunteer, he is with the same teacher and says they are “a great team.” Grandpa Baker devotes 20 hours a week to helping children reach their full potential. He and the teacher want to make sure that all their students are able to “move up” at the end of the year, as their previous students have done. Last year Grandpa Baker had four children who could only recognize two-letter words. He worked with the children by talking to them and using some special flash cards that he made. Now those children can recognize five-letter words! “Individual encouragement works well with my special kids,” Grandpa Baker says, “and often the classroom teacher is a little too busy to give it." At 83, Grandpa Baker has the luxury of time, as well as the patience and wisdom that comes with age, to give extra attention to the children who need it.
Grandma Mildred Brisker serves in a second grade classroom at Lowry Elementary School. Grandma Mildred helps children when they are “stuck” on an assignment and offers encouragement to those who are struggling. She’s an expert with spelling, math, writing and reading. Grandma Mildred, now in her 26th year as a Foster Grandparent, says that doing this keeps her young.
Last year, Grandma Mildred spent time each day with a girl who was “way behind” in both reading and math. Grandma Mildred taught her to read and spell the 120 words on the basic list and helped her solve addition and subtraction problems. Grandma Mildred reported that all her special children passed the FCAT test and graduated to the next grade level.She devotes 28 or more hours each week helping children reach their full potential.
Ed Schwartz, lovingly called Mr. Ed by the children, served at North Tampa Head Start and Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary School. Mr. Ed spends Wednesdays at the Head Start Center, where he is dearly loved by the children and the teachers. He spends one-on-one time with youngsters needing extra help to get ready for kindergarten. At Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary School, Mr. Ed serves in a third grade classroom. He works with children who really need his extra help to prepare for the FCAT, which is administered annually in March. With them, he focuses on reading and analytical skills. Mr. Ed has found a great niche for himself. He finds it “very satisfying” to be with the children and to help them both academically and socially.